Cesc Fabregas Transfer News: ‘Not for one second did I want to leave’

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas insists that he is “100 per cent” staying at Stamford Bridge next year. The Spaniard has revealed that he has not had any thoughts of leaving the club this season.

“100 per cent. I am not thinking about anything else than challenging myself here. The situation from six months ago to now has changed massively. From the beginning it has been a big challenge and there are always rumors, you cannot stop that, but I don’t even care what people say. Not for one second did I want to leave,” Fabregas said to Sky Sports.

The 29-year-old has been linked to a move away from Chelsea in recent times. Fabregas has fallen out of favor with head coach Antonio Conte since the Italian has taken over at the London club.

The former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder has started in just five Premier League games this season. Conte has mainly used the man from Arenys de Mar, Spain as a substitute.

However, Fabregas sees himself playing for Chelsea next season. The midfielder has expressed that he is relishing the challenge of forcing his way into Conte’s starting XI on a permanent basis.

The brilliant form of midfielders N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic has largely been responsible for Fabregas’ limited opportunities this season. But, the World Cup winning player insists that he is determined to prove himself.

“You always have to compete against players. I have had to compete more in training or in the little minutes I had to prove myself to try to be in the starting XI,” Fabregas added.

The Spanish international is looking to make his 300th Premier League appearance on Saturday when Chelsea host Swansea City. The Blues look to extend their lead to eight points at the top of the table, according to IBTimes UK.

Fabregas made his debut in the competition for Arsenal in 2003. After spending three seasons in La Liga with Barcelona, the midfielder returned to England and signed for Chelsea in 2014.

“You have to be the best every single game otherwise someone else will come in, the manager will change you, or the team will not want you anymore,” the 5-ft-9 playmaker mentioned.

Meanwhile, Fabregas believes that Chelsea still has to focus “game by game” in order to win the title. The player mentioned that it would be futile to look too far ahead and instead suggested that the team is focused on the same direction of having a fantastic season together.